#United States #San Francisco #Airbnb #Tax Avoidance

San Francisco City Workers Rally Against Airbnb

On April 22, 2025, city workers and community allies in San Francisco gathered outside the Superior Court to protest Airbnb's tax avoidance practices and demand an end to the massive corporate tax breaks contributing to the City's ongoing budget deficit. The rally coincided with a court hearing regarding Airbnb's lawsuit against the City, where the company is seeking over $120 million in unpaid taxes.

The demonstration was organized following the recent release of a revealing report by the San Francisco Labor Council, in conjunction with unions such as IFPTE Local 21 and SEIU Local 1021. Titled "The Bill is Due: How Big Tech Tax Avoidance is Starving San Francisco's Budget," the report outlines that lawsuits orchestrated by several large tech firms could potentially cost San Francisco $415 million, over half of the projected deficit totaling $817.5 million. This tax evasion undermines critical funding for essential public services in the city.

City employees, adorned in union gear, vocally expressed their frustration with signs and chants, emphasizing the negative repercussions of allowing major corporations to evade their fair share of taxes. Members of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council emphasized, "It's unacceptable for the City's largest corporations to be let off the hook for their fair share in taxes while the City Administration contemplates major cuts to public services."

Among those present was SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford, who questioned the intentions of Mayor Daniel Lurie, especially as his campaign promised a cleaner and safer San Francisco. Rutherford stated, "There is simply no reality in which that happens by cutting public services. Whose side is he on?" Their rallying call firmly challenges both the ethical responsibility of large tech companies and the city’s leadership.

The report also highlighted the role of Proposition M, which provided significant tax incentives for big tech firms like Airbnb. Sarah Perez, a city employee and Vice President of IFPTE Local 21, pointed out, "If big tech doesn't pay, it's everyone else who will." The group believes that the current budget crisis is not merely an economic concern but a moral one, revolving around the fair distribution of resources and accountability of large corporations.

Protesters, backed by various community organizations and local politicians, stated their unwavering commitment to pressuring Airbnb and other tech giants to contribute equitably to the tax system. They argue that without immediate accountability, vital public services that many citizens rely on are at risk of severe cuts, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable populations.

The actions taken on this day represent a critical collective effort to bring attention to the larger systemic issues facing cities like San Francisco in an era dominated by corporate interests. As the city grapples with financial challenges accentuated by tech tax avoidance, community voices are rising, demanding a sustainable and equitable future for public services. The true test lies ahead for Mayor Lurie on whether he will act against corporate greed and ensure that all residents, regardless of wealth, can benefit from the resources generated by their efforts.

As the court proceedings unfold, the rally signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding corporate taxation and public accountability in San Francisco, advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of the community over the profits of a few.

In conclusion, the rally outside the court has sparked conversations related to the financial ethics of large corporations operating in urban environments, calling into question the balance between economic growth and the social responsibilities that come with it.